Episode 68: Loops of Fury – The Music of 194X

Ed takes a look at a fantastic example of the evolution of game music from the 194X Series

Though the series isn’t discussed too often, vertically-scrolling shmups owe a lot to Capcom’s 194X games. Arcade-goers were treated to an addictive and fun experience, flying their P-38 Lightning fighter planes over the Pacific Ocean towards Japan. On today’s show, Ed takes a look at a fantastic example of the evolution of game music, starting with the scratchy beeps of the original title and culminating in a fully orchestrated soundtrack from renowned composer Norihiko Hibino. Strap into your cockpit and lift off for this unique collection of VGM!


A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!

Check out the VGMbassy Patreon for some fantastic bonuses, including exclusive podcast content!

Thanks to our supporting Patreon patrons, who help make this show possible: Mike Stark, Muddle MADness, Ryan Steel, Bedroth, Chris Murray, Cameron Chiles, Michael Bridgewater, Chris Myers, Donovan Orofino, Voltz Supreme, Ben “The Diad” DishmanChris Steenerson, Dan Laughton, Jordan Werme, Cameron Werme, Kung Fu Carlito,  Scott McElhone, Darryl Bowers (The Last Rican), Frankly Zappa, and Alex “The Messenger” Messenger.

Follow The VGMbassy on Twitter: @TheVGMbassy

Check out the Instagram account for artsy-fartsy game-related images: @TheVGMbassy

Listen here or find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app!


The Tracklist:

1 – “Main BGM” from 1942 (Arcade, 1984) Composed by Ayako Mori

2 – “Ayako BGM” from 1942 (Arcade, 1984) Composed by Ayako Mori

3 – “Ayako Destruction” from 1942 (Arcade, 1984) Composed by Ayako Mori

4 – “Main BGM” from 1942 (NES, 1985) Composed by Ayako Mori

5 – “Stage Clear” from 1942 (NES, 1985) Composed by Ayako Mori

6 – “Title and Gameplay Theme” from 1942 (C64, 1987) Composed by Mark Cooksey

7 – “Game Over” from 1942 (C64, 1987) Composed by Mark Cooksey

8 – “BGM” from 1942: First Strike (Java Mobile, 2009) by an Unknown Composer

9 – “Air Battle Theme A” from 1943: The Battle of Midway (Arcade, 1987) Composed by Kumi Yamaga

10 – “Anti-Ship Battle A” from 1943: The Battle of Midway (NES, 1988) Composed by Kumi Yamaga, arranged by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi

11 – “Air Battle C” from 1943 Kai: Midway Kaisen (Arcade, 1987) Composed by Harumi Fujita, Hiroshige Tonomura, Junko Tamiya, Kumi Yamaga, Manami Matsumae, Takashi Tateishi, Tamayo Kawamoto, and John Philip Sousa

12 – “Air Battle B” from 1943 Kai (PCE, 1991) Composed by Daisuke Morishima, Harumi Fujita, Hiroshige Tonomura, Hisashi Matsushita, Junko Tamiya, Kumi Yamaga, Manami Matsumae, Takashi Tateishi, Tamayo Kawamoto, and John Philip Sousa

13 – “Boss 6-A” from 1941: Counter Attack (Arcade, 1990) Composed by Hiromitsu Takaoka

14 – “Stage 6B” from 1941: Counter Attack (SuperGrafx, 1991) Composed by Funny Narinari, Happy, and Hiromitsu Takaoka

15 – “Dance of Green Gnome 1” from 19XX: The War Against Destiny (Arcade, 1996) Composed by Syun Nishigaki

16 – “Outer Limits (Target 6)” from 19XX: The War Against Destiny (Arcade, 1996) Composed by Tatsuro Suzuki

17 – “Deep Blue (Stage 1)” from 1944: The Loop Master (Arcade, 2000) by Yasushi Kamanishi

18 – “Battle of Green Field (Stage 13)” from 1944: The Loop Master (Arcade, 2000) by Yasushi Kamanishi

19 – “Shinden Striker” from 1942: Joint Strike (PS3, Xbox360, 2010) Composed by Norihiko Hibino

20 – “Retro Blitz” from 1942: Joint Strike (PS3, Xbox360, 2010) Composed by Norihiko Hibino

 

Please follow and like us:

Prime VGMinister

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RSS
Follow by Email
Verified by MonsterInsights